German Car Scene

Month: June 2012

  • Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT announced


    Mercedes-Benz has revealed a GT version of its SLS AMG model, which will be available in both Coupe and Roadster form.

    Designed to sit between the regular SLS AMG and the forthcoming Black Series, the GT uses a slightly tweaked 6.2-litre V8 unit, resulting in 435 kW (591 hp) rather than the usual 571 hp (420 kW), with torque remaining the same at 650 Nm. Acceleration is virtually unchanged, with 100 km/h appearing a mere 0.1 seconds sooner, at 3.7 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 320 km/h.

    Other changes include a reworked SpeedShift Plus 7-speed transmission, which has been optimized for a more direct, sharper response, while the newly developed AMG Ride Control Performance suspension features a more track-focused set-up, dispensing with ‘Comfort’ mode altogether, with ‘Sport’ mode being the preferred option for fast road driving and ‘Sport plus’ providing even greater damping forces – perfect for trips to the Nurburgring.

    Moving inside, there are embossed leather sports seats with their centre sections, the door panels and steering wheel all trimmed in Alcantara. The black cabin receives a splash of contrasting red, thanks to the seat belts and stitching throughout. Usual SLS options are available on the GT, including carbon fibre mirrors, engine cover and interior package, the AMG designo Exclusive Leather upholstery upgrade, Airscarf, carbon-ceramic brake system and Bang & Olufsen BeoSound surround sound system.

    The SLS AMG GT will be launched this October, with prices in Germany starting at € 204,680 for the Coupe and € 213,010 for the Roadster.
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  • Skoda Superb Estate gets Outdoor look


    Skoda is now offering its ‘Outdoor’ program for the Superb Estate model.

    Providing the family-friendly variant with a off-road look, the Outdoor package includes a front bumper with round fog lamps and a larger air intake, rugged synthetic panelling for the rear bumper, wheel arch trims wells and door sills.

    The package is available for all engine options mated with front- and all-wheel drive configurations, except for the Greenline II 1.2 TDI version.
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  • Adrenalin Tuning Volkswagen Golf at Bitburg [video]


    Here’s some footage featuring a Frankenstein Volkswagen Golf, built by the guys at Adrenalin Tuning, in action on the drag strip at Bitburg. Maintaining a front-wheel drive layout, the factory engine has been replaced with a 1.8-litre 20-valve unit from the Mk4 Golf GTI which, as you’ve probably gathered, has seen a little tweaking. Now running a Garrett GT3076R turbocharger along with programming by the psychopaths at Boba Motoring, this Mk1 now enjoys the benefits of 331 kW (444 hp). And, as well as quicker changes, the DSG transmission also allows the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel – handy when you’re transferring that kind of power through those thickset front wheels.
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  • DTM Spielberg: win for Mortara


    It was a cause for a double celebration for Audi after this weekend’s DTM round at Spielberg; not only did the new A5 Coupe bag its first win, but it had Edoardo Mortara behind the wheel – securing his very own maiden DTM victory.

    Starting from pole at the Austrian circuit, Mortara lead for most of the race, but did hold off a threat from the Mercedes of Gary Paffett at one point after his final tyre stop on lap 30. The Briton had pitted a lap earlier and did his best to pass the Audi as it exited the pit lane, but Mortara defended his position, forcing the Mercedes onto the grass.

    A fast pit stop for Martin Tomczyk, saw the reigning champion briefly take the lead but, again, Mortara was in no mood to let the BMW driver steal his thunder, returning to the front at Remus Kurve. Tomczyk fought back, clipping the rear of the Audi, which lead to a loss of pace, meaning he spent the rest of the race fighting off Paffett.

    “That was a fantastic weekend. My first pole position yesterday and my first victory today – I’m simply super-happy. ‘Thank you’ to Audi Sport and ‘thank you’ to Team Rosberg – my guys worked incredibly hard in the past few weeks and months,” said a beaming Edoardo.

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  • H&R BMW 1 Series M Coupe


    The guys at H&R Springs, over in Bellingham, have been busy putting this BMW 1 Series M Coupe project together, highlighting components on offer for the 246 kW (335 hp) pocket rocket.

    Naturally, the 1M sits on a set of H&R Sport Springs, which drop the Coupe by 30 mm on the front and 15 mm at the rear, while the company’s anti-roll bars – sized 27 mm and 23 mm – enhance stability in the corners. Other chassis changes include a Brembo GT Big Brake Kit with 380 mm cross-drilled discs on the front and rear along with a set of blue calipers.

    Visually, the car wears body graphics, European-spec headlights and a set of three-piece, centre-locking Forgeline Concave Series RB3C wheels, measuring 9 and 11 x 19-inches and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.
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  • Adam Carolla’s CarCast looks at BBI Autosport’s Porsche 911 Turbo S [video]


    In this new episode of Adam Carolla’s CarCast, Adam and Matt D’Andria chat to BBI Autosport’s Betim Berisha about the company and this tuned Porsche 911 Turbo S. Fitted with BBI’s Stage 2 package, which includes new intercoolers, manifolds and exhaust system along with an ECU tweak, this 2011 model now produces 485 kW (650 hp) – up from the factory car’s 395 kW (530 hp).
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